EN 388 markings: how to read a protective glove's digit string

The structure of the string

A typical marking: 4543 D P. In order:

Position	Property	Scale
1st	abrasion resistance (rub cycles)	1–4
2nd	cut resistance, coupe method	1–5
3rd	tear strength	1–4
4th	puncture resistance	1–4
5th	cut resistance per EN ISO 13997	letter A–F
6th	impact protection (where tested)	P

An X means the property was not tested or the method is not applicable.

Coupe and ISO cut: why two values?

The traditional coupe test uses a rotating circular blade; on highly cut-resistant materials that blunt the blade (glass fibre, steel strands) its result can mislead. There, the straight-blade EN ISO 13997 test governs — its result is the A–F letter. When the letter is present, high-cut applications should read the letter, not the second digit.

Common misreadings

• A higher number does not mean a “generally better” glove — only a higher measured level in that one property. Selection starts from the risk.
• The marking belongs to the examined type. After a material or process change, the levels do not carry over without re-measurement.
• Markings do not age well: after intensive use, washing or wear, actual protection can fall below the as-new measured level.

What this means for manufacturers and buyers

As a manufacturer, measure during development to reach the target level — in the certification procedure, the type sample’s result decides. As a buyer, the digit string is only worth something if a certified type and a consistent delivered lot stand behind it.